Connecting Toronto

August 11, 2017

PRESTO reliability up, new fare gates coming to all stations

The rollout of PRESTO across the TTC continues to make good progress.

Working with Metrolinx, we have driven up the reliability of PRESTO equipment to the point that on-vehicle card readers are now achieving in excess of 99% reliability. The performance of our fare gates has also improved and we continue to install software updates to enhance their reliability.

Metrolinx will soon supply us with improved second generation Self-Serve Reload Machines. These machines will make it easier for customers to add money to their card or check their balance. Those will soon be joined by a further machine that customers can use to purchase a PRESTO card.

In addition, Metropass users who purchase their adult or senior pass from one of our collector booths or Pass Vending Machines can switch to a monthly pass on PRESTO. Passes are available at prestocard.ca. Our Monthly Discount Plan customers should wait to switch to PRESTO. An MDP equivalent will be available on PRESTO early next year. The number of available Shoppers Drug Marts that sell PRESTO cards will also be expanded in the near future.

The TTC, meanwhile, will shortly begin replacing old turnstiles with modern fare gates at the 26 stations that were originally equipped with PRESTO readers. During construction, there will inevitably need to be some rerouting of customers within stations, but we will have plenty of signage and additional staff to guide you.

Watch this space for a station-by-station summary of changes as we head into the last few phases of full PRESTO rollout, and in the meantime thanks for your patience and understanding.

Service Alerts

This weekend, Aug. 12-13, Line 1 Yonge-University will be closed between St George and Sheppard West stations only as TTC crews conduct train testing and emergency preparedness training on the new Automatic Train Control (ATC) system.

Shuttle buses will operate between Sheppard West and Lawrence West stations only due to on-street construction along the closure route. Service on several east-west bus and streetcar routes will be doubled to the Yonge portion of Line 1. Consider using one of these routes for your journey.

Regular service resumes Monday morning at 6 a.m.

WEEKEND EVENTS

Taste of the Danforth — all weekend

Some routes will divert this weekend as the city celebrates the 24th annual Taste of the Danforth festival, which will close Danforth Ave. between Broadview and Jones Aves from Fri., Aug 11 to Sun., Aug. 13.

The 72 Pape route will operate from Donlands Station from 6 p.m. on Aug. 11 until 3 a.m. on Aug. 14. and divert in both directions via Danforth Ave., Jones Ave. and Gerrard St. E.

For customers travelling at night on the 300 Bloor- Danforth and 325 Don Mills, these routes will also divert via Broadview and Mortimer Aves. to route.

5 Avenue Road buses will turn back via Bloor St. at St George Station and 94 Wellesley buses will divert westbound via Bay St., College St., and Spadina Ave.

As a vibrant, global city, Toronto is alive with numerous events, celebrations and festivals that impact some service for TTC customers. Up-to-date route changes and information is available on the Service Advisories page or by following @TTCnotices on Twitter.

Introducing: Tracks on Tracks

In need of some new tracks while you ride the rocket? Coming soon, TTC and Universal Music are partnering for Tracks on Tracks. Customers will have access to two new free Apple Music playlists (Rush Hour and Hush Hour) to enhance their morning and afternoon commute. The playlists will be updated regularly, have something for everyone and will be available exclusively through Apple Music on iPhone or via iTunes.

I started as a TTC streetcar operator 16 years ago, eventually becoming the Divisional Manager at Eglinton Bus Division. I’m accountable for supervising the day-to-day operations for the division, which is made up of nearly 800 employees. I help ensure that the division meets all operating standards and expectations, in addition to other tasks like performing route assessments and overseeing our safety initiatives. My time working as a streetcar operator and later as a supervisor has been really beneficial, since I can put myself in the operators’ shoes. Ability and knowledge are important, but attitude is what determines how well a job will get done. I’m grateful for my job at the TTC, and I feel happy to work for a company that strives to be transparent and accountable to the customer.